Dear, Homesick...

Ask Sparkles Advice Column

I haven’t seen my family since the beginning of the semester. They said that they would visit 3 times, but never did; they are only an hour away. They also tell me that I cannot come home. It is never a good time. What do I do?

Sincerely,

Homesick

Dear Homesick,

First, I would suggest not to jump to conclusions. Your family may feel like it is better for you not to go home unless it is a break. Some parents feel like it creates too much of a dependency if their college student is constantly coming home every time they feel homesick. It is also important to remember that just because you are not home doesn’t mean that your family is not experiencing life. Something important may have gotten in the way.

I would suggest just bluntly asking why is it that you cannot come home? If it is an hour away, it will not interfere with your studies. Explain to them why you want to come home and how homesick you are. If there is a problem try to address their concerns and come up with a solution. Maybe you can suggest that you stay at another relative’s house or a friend’s house while you are in town. Remember to try to address your family's concerns and worries; don’t trivialize it.

The only way to solve this problem is to try to have an honest dialogue about what is going on.